DIY

Extreme Heat: Objects You Should Never Leave in Your Car During Summer

When outdoor temperatures reach 30 °C (86 °F), the inside of your vehicle can exceed 60 °C (140 °F) within minutes. This poses serious risks as certain items can melt, explode, release toxins, or even start a fire.

1. Plastic Bottles

Heat can cause plastic bottles to release harmful substances like BPA or microplastics. Additionally, the shape of some bottles can concentrate sunlight and ignite flammable materials.

2. Electronics (smartphones, GPS, power banks)

Lithium-ion batteries are highly sensitive to high temperatures. They may overheat, get damaged permanently, or catch fire in extreme cases.

3. Aerosols and Lighters

Pressurized containers can become dangerously unstable under heat, posing a risk of explosion.

4. Glass Objects and Sunglasses

These can focus sunlight like a magnifying glass, potentially starting a fire inside your car.

5. Food, Cosmetics, and Medication

a. Food

Perishable food can spoil quickly and grow bacteria in extreme heat.

b. Medication

Many medicines lose their effectiveness when stored above recommended temperatures.

c. Cosmetics

Heat can cause items like lipstick and creams to melt, leak, or lose their original properties.

6. Bank Cards and Important Documents

Heat can warp plastic cards and blur ink, making documents unreadable.

7. Smart Tips for Summer Car Care

a. Use Sunshades and Park in the Shade

Sunshades can lower internal temperatures by up to 20 °C. Parking under trees or structures is also very effective.

b. Leave Windows Slightly Open

A slight opening (~1 cm) helps ventilate the cabin and reduces heat buildup.

c. Cover the Dashboard

Use a cloth or special cover to protect exposed surfaces from direct sun and reduce interior heat.

d. Air Conditioning Tips

  • Open doors for a minute to release trapped hot air.
  • Use the recirculation mode to cool the interior faster.
  • Aim the vents upward to improve air circulation.

e. Engine Precautions

  • Regularly check coolant levels and belts to avoid engine overheating.
  • In emergency cases, turning on the cabin heater can help dissipate engine heat.

Leaving objects inside your car during hot summer days can result in damage, fire hazards, or even health risks. Stay safe by following these simple precautions.

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